Traveling by motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, allowing you to explore the scenic beauty of Waukegan and the surrounding areas. However, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting into accidents with careless drivers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. However, pursuing motorcycle accident lawsuits can be a complex and challenging process, especially when riders are unfairly blamed for causing the accident. In such cases, having a skilled legal team can make all the difference. As a motorcyclist, you have the right to enjoy the road safely and without fear of being injured by another person’s negligence.
For a free initial case assessment with our motorcycle accident attorneys, call Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
Parties that Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Waukegan, IL
Identifying the level of complexity in a motorcycle accident lawsuit relies on determining who is responsible and the extent of their responsibility. Our motorcycle accident lawyers possess the skills to identify liable parties in your injury case. The parties that are most frequently sued in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Waukegan are the following:
Other Drivers
Motorcycle accidents are usually caused by the negligence of other drivers who fail to perceive the presence of motorcycles on the road. This is often because of a lack of concentration or oversight, which can seriously threaten riders’ safety. However, failing to notice a motorcycle beforehand is not a valid defense in any potential legal action.
In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident involving multiple drivers, it is important to understand that each driver can be held accountable for the damages they caused. For example, suppose one driver was speeding and collided with a vehicle that made an illegal lane change, harming your motorcycle. In that case, both drivers are liable to compensate you for the damages caused by their actions. This means that you might be able to receive compensation from both drivers for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.
Commercial Drivers and Their Employers
If an employee’s negligence during work-related activities causes a motorcycle accident, their employer could be held responsible in addition to the driver involved in the accident. For instance, if you were injured while a driver was engaged in the delivery of goods for a company, the employer is usually accountable for their negligence in the event of an on-the-job accident.
This legal principle is referred to as respondeat superior. It is based on the idea that an employer is responsible for the actions of their employees when they are acting within the scope of their job duties. Thus, legal action can be taken against both the driver and their employer in such situations, and the employer might be required to compensate the victim for damages resulting from the accident.
Manufacturers and Designers
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, and you believe that the accident was caused by a faulty or defective part of the motorcycle, you might be able to file a claim against the manufacturer or designer of the bike.
In such cases, the responsibility for the accident might lie with the manufacturer or designer, who might be held accountable for not ensuring the safety of the motorcycle design or for not disclosing any potential hazards associated with the use of the product. These could include defects in the brakes, tires, engine, or other critical components of the motorcycle.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Waukegan, IL
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Waukegan, it is most likely because of the negligence of a driver. Some drivers are unaware of motorcyclists on the road, which can lead to serious accidents. However, you are entitled to compensation for any losses you have incurred, regardless of the cause of the accident. Here are some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents in Waukegan:
Speeding
Waukegan has unfortunately witnessed a significant number of motorcycle accidents in recent years. These accidents are often linked to instances of speeding. The impact of these accidents can be catastrophic, with riders typically experiencing serious injuries or, in some cases, losing their lives.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is becoming a growing concern in Waukegan because of the increased use of technology. This has resulted in a surge in motorcycle accidents, leading to severe injuries and life-changing consequences. Cell phone usage is the primary cause of distracted driving, but other activities such as eating, drinking, and checking GPS can also contribute to the problem.
Loud music and passengers in the vehicle can also lead to distractions that can cause drivers to overlook motorcyclists, putting everyone’s safety at risk. To avoid accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road, drivers must refrain from all distractions and focus entirely on driving.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Motorcycle accidents are a significant concern on the roads, and one of the primary reasons behind such accidents is the negligence of drivers towards motorcyclists. It is observed that many drivers do not pay enough attention while turning or switching lanes, resulting in T-bone collisions with motorcycles. These types of collisions can cause fatal injuries to motorcycle riders, and the aftermath can be severe.
One of the reasons why drivers fail to notice motorcycles is their size. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars, and they can easily slip out of the driver’s field of vision. Even if drivers do spot them, it can be challenging to assess their distance and velocity accurately, making it difficult to estimate how much time they have to react.
To avoid such accidents, it is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and give way to motorcycles until they have safely passed. This means checking blind spots, using turn signals, and avoiding sudden lane changes.
Drunk Driving
Motorcycle accidents caused by drunk driving represent a significant issue in Waukegan. These types of accidents can result in catastrophic consequences because of the impaired judgment and slower reflexes of drunk drivers. The effects of such accidents can be devastating, not only physically but also emotionally and financially.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, you might be entitled to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the responsible party, as well as compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Our Waukegan, IL Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help
Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Rhatigan Law Offices can provide you with a free case review when you call us today at (312) 578-8502.
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